DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION MCOM 101 – Introduction to Communication Studies Course Outline – Spring 2022 Course Information Instructor Information Course Title: Introduction to Communication Studies Course Code: MCOM 101 Credit Hours: 3 Name: Mehwish Batool Schedule: Section D M/W/F 12-12:50pm E-mail: mehwishbatool@fccollege.edu.pk Office Information: Office # 117, Faculty Block Office Hours: M/W 1-3pm In case you need to see me outside the office hours, please take appointment via email Course Description: The course is designed to give students an introduction to communication studies and media. Course content sheds light on fundamentals of communication and the role of different types of media including Print, Electronic and Online media. This course is aimed at making students an active media user. The syllabus may be further revised based on the progress of the class. Learning Goals: At the end of this course students will be able to: Understand and define the process of communication and its types Learn basic components of journalism for print and electronic media Differentiate between traditional and digital media and use digital media platforms to highlight important issues Develop an understanding of Advertising and Public relations Syllabus Course Objective Module Title & Topics Assessment Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication Understanding Communication (Definitions and linear Model) Understand and define the process Types of Communication of communication and its types Characteristics & Functions of Mass Communication Quiz Presentation Graded Activities History of Communication (Reading) Module 2: Print Media Overview of newspapers (navigating a newspaper – layout) Learn basic components of print journalism Quiz Graded Activities Opinion Section News Values Magazine Journalism Learn basic components of electronic media Module 3: Electronic Media What is broadcasting? Radio in Pakistan Quiz Talk show assignment Popular Production formats in Radio Television in Pakistan Popular Production formats in Television (studio vs OB, Live/live-to-tape/recorded) Production Process Interviews Common terminologies Module 4: Digital Media Differentiate between traditional and digital media and use digital media platforms to highlight important issues Key difference between traditional media and digital media platforms What is Online/Digital Journalism Overview of online journalism in Pakistan Identifying Fake News Digital Marketing Quiz Assignment: Track an issue online Module 5: Advertising & PR Develop a basic understanding of Advertising and Public relations Intro to Advertising & PR Mediums of Advertising PR tools Quiz Graded Activities Recommended Books 1. The Dynamic of Mass Communication by Joseph R. Dominich 2. Communication Studies: The Essential Introduction by Andrew Bweek & Peter Bennet 3. Readings and notes will be provided by the instructor Changes to the Syllabus: This syllabus has been designed to convey course information and requirements as accurately as possible. It is important to note, however, that it may be subject to change during the course depending on the needs of the class and other situational factors. Such changes would be for your benefit and you will be notified of them as soon as possible. Grading Criteria: Quizzes (Best of 4) Assignments/Presentation Graded Activities/Discussion boards* Attendance ** Total 40 % 30% 20 % 10% 100 *All the activities/class discussion etc. will be graded. Active participation is required. ** Students with low attendance will NOT be given any makeup assignment. Grading Legend: Grades Quality Points Numerical Value Meanings A 4.00 93-100 A- 3.70 90-92 B+ 3.30 87-89 B 3.00 83-86 B- 2.70 80-82 C+ 2.30 77-79 C 2.00 73-76 C- 1.70 70-72 D+ 1.30 67-69 D 1.00 60-66 F 0.00 59 or below Failing NS 0.00 0.00 Did not show up in class W - - Officially Withdrawn AW - - Administrative Withdrawal/Dis missal Superior Good Satisfactory Passing AU - - Audit/Listener Status I - - Incomplete T - - Transferred credit Attendance score criteria: Percentage 90% and above ≥ 85% ≥ 80% ≥ 75% ≥ 70% ≥ 65% ≤ 60% Score 10 9 8 7 6 5 0 Course Policies & Procedures 1. Attendance & timeliness - - - - Students are expected to be in the class in a timely manner and attend at least 60% of the classes during the summer semester. This includes all the in-class and online sessions Students joining late in will not be allowed to sit the class. Students with short attendance will be warned via email and will be subsequently asked to withdraw the course if they fail to meet the attendance requirement at any point during the semester. Leave applications must be submitted in advance. If a student misses a class because of an emergency, s/he must submit a written application within 24 hrs otherwise the leave won’t be accepted. Attendance is 10 percent of total marks; no credit will be given below 60% 2. Code of Conduct Cell phones must be put on silent otherwise phones will be confiscated or penalty will be given Students should not leave the classroom without instructor’s permission Students are expected to treat the instructor and their class fellows with utmost respect Healthy discussion/debate is welcomed rather encouraged in this course. However, students are advised to refrain from using foul language or getting into heated arguments 3. Assessments All the activities, quizzes, presentations and assignments should be submitted on time. No work would be accepted after the deadline. No retake will be allowed for any course activity (quiz, presentations, activities) Students will be provided a chance to review the assessments. However, grading should be considered final unless there is some miscalculation on part of the instructor. The grading criteria/assessments may be relaxed for students who may have genuine issues. This will be dealt on case-to-case basis and the instructor will guide those students on how to successfully complete the entire course work within a stipulated time. 4. Adherence to Academic Integrity Policy It is expected from all the students to abide by University’s Academic Integrity policy throughout the semester. In case of any violation, the case will be reported to academic integrity committee. Links of the relevant policies are mentioned below: Academic integrity: Please see here. Plagiarism Policy: Please see here. Sexual Harassment Policy: Please see here. Anti-Corruption Policy: Please see here.
